[ropeParticipant]

 I’ve been a Pistons fan for about 40 years.  Love Andre Drummond and the potential that he will grow into a dominate force.

Watching him the last few weeks, though, it seems clear he really doesn’t play defense.  He’ll generally hang out near the basket – in "rebounding" position, no matter what his man does.  Granted, traditional post defense has gone away to a large extent as big men now float out to the perimeter.  

 It might be that Drummon is following instructions and taking advantage of the looser rules on "zone" defenses, but I sure would feel better if he was more aggressive on defense, even if it cost him a few boards.

 

 

[Rip255]

Would you describe him as a future DeAndre Jordan, Dwight Howard or Patrick Ewing

 

 

  

[Rip255]

Would you describe him as a future DeAndre Jordan, Dwight Howard or Patrick Ewing

 

 

  

[CavsFan07Participant]

Of the ones you mentioned, DeAndre Jordan is the closest comparison.

[CavsFan07Participant]

Of the ones you mentioned, DeAndre Jordan is the closest comparison.

[strobox88Participant]

Most bigs are too raw offensively to be compared to a Patrick Ewing. Drummond is raw offensively, so Dwight Howard or DeAndre Jordon are more realistic.

[strobox88Participant]

Most bigs are too raw offensively to be compared to a Patrick Ewing. Drummond is raw offensively, so Dwight Howard or DeAndre Jordon are more realistic.

[ropeParticipant]

Right now he is Daryl Dawkins with better rebounding stats.   I genuinely believe he will grow into a much better player than Dawkins was or Jordan is.  His work ethic and leadership skills are already noticed in the organization.  He is a player, even if he isn’t a defensive whiz at this point.

FWIW – Patrick Ewing was a better college defender than he was in the pros and he was largely a jump shooter on offense.  No one would have guessed that development when he was drafted.  I always liked Ewing and would like to see him get a head coaching shot.  It would very interesting to see him coach the Pistons, in fact.  I would think that would help Drummond a lot.

[ropeParticipant]

Right now he is Daryl Dawkins with better rebounding stats.   I genuinely believe he will grow into a much better player than Dawkins was or Jordan is.  His work ethic and leadership skills are already noticed in the organization.  He is a player, even if he isn’t a defensive whiz at this point.

FWIW – Patrick Ewing was a better college defender than he was in the pros and he was largely a jump shooter on offense.  No one would have guessed that development when he was drafted.  I always liked Ewing and would like to see him get a head coaching shot.  It would very interesting to see him coach the Pistons, in fact.  I would think that would help Drummond a lot.

[GabnosisParticipant]

Come on, this guy is JUST 20, maybe he’s not a "good" defender now, but he’s still learning, and with his physical tools, he’s going to be the most dominant center in 2 to 3 years max, with potential to become DPOY candidtate each and every year. 

[GabnosisParticipant]

Come on, this guy is JUST 20, maybe he’s not a "good" defender now, but he’s still learning, and with his physical tools, he’s going to be the most dominant center in 2 to 3 years max, with potential to become DPOY candidtate each and every year. 

[strobox88Participant]

Let’s see where Joel Embiid is in 2-3 years.

[strobox88Participant]

Let’s see where Joel Embiid is in 2-3 years.

[ReactionParticipant]

 The guy plays defense… what are you even talking about? Sure he has his issues (positioning, etc.) but he goes out on a consistent basis trying to play defense. He blocks, goes after almost every board, and boxes out. Like Tr3y said, he is ONLY 20 years old. Don’t even bother comparing him to DeAndre Jordan yet. 

[ReactionParticipant]

 The guy plays defense… what are you even talking about? Sure he has his issues (positioning, etc.) but he goes out on a consistent basis trying to play defense. He blocks, goes after almost every board, and boxes out. Like Tr3y said, he is ONLY 20 years old. Don’t even bother comparing him to DeAndre Jordan yet. 

[ropeParticipant]

Shot blocking is not defense. Hanging around the basket to collect rebounds isn’t really defense, either, though it certainly helps your team.

FWIW – If you were here, you would realize a lot of people criticized Bew Wallace for having inflated rebounding stats, as he got a lot of them in free throw situations, which are not even in the same league as grabbing them in the flow of the game.

[King CaluchaParticipant]

Thank you.

I think it was last season when someone wrote an article in which Deandre Jordan wasn’t displayed as an elite rim protector. Anchoring the defense is way more than blocking shots and that’s something Doc may have taught DJ, because it seems he has improved. I can’t wait to see those metrics updated for this season.

[King CaluchaParticipant]

Thank you.

I think it was last season when someone wrote an article in which Deandre Jordan wasn’t displayed as an elite rim protector. Anchoring the defense is way more than blocking shots and that’s something Doc may have taught DJ, because it seems he has improved. I can’t wait to see those metrics updated for this season.

[ropeParticipant]

Shot blocking is not defense. Hanging around the basket to collect rebounds isn’t really defense, either, though it certainly helps your team.

FWIW – If you were here, you would realize a lot of people criticized Bew Wallace for having inflated rebounding stats, as he got a lot of them in free throw situations, which are not even in the same league as grabbing them in the flow of the game.

[KHAM83Participant]

 Seriously, how many of us actually watch Pistons games? We see the stats and the highlights, but very few of us actually watch an entire game to properly critique Drummond. Now a days, bigs do not need be technically sound and have the right fundamentals to dominate. Athleticism and size seems to be the only requirements.

 

 Rope, if you’ve been a fan of the Pistons for 40 years, you’ve seen the era of great bigs. Being so, also possibly the only one here who has been watching the Pistons play, you have a different idea of what’s required of a big and will critique as such. Drummond is talented and oozing with potential, but if Rope says he doesn’t actually play defense (or in better word, does not play correctly) I’ll bet he’s right. Howard, Jordan, Ibaka, guys thought to be great defenders, they don’t play "right". They depend solely on their athleticism to make up for what they do lack. 

Let’s look at the reigning dpoy Marc Gasol. Many questioned why he won. He isn’t athletic and doesn’t get a ton of blocks, but he plays defense the right way and has a huge impact throughout the game. Drummond is young and has potential to improve, but I disagree with those of you who think Rope is totally wrong when he questions Drummond’s defense at the moment. 

 

[BigChamp12Participant]

Marc Gasol didn’t win because he plays "Right"  HE won because it was the media’s vote. He’s always been a media favorite. Remember, Marc Gasol didn’t make 1st team All Defense. That’s because the coaches vote. You think teams are more worried on Defense about attacking Gasol more so than Dwight, Jordan, or Ibaka?

[BigChamp12Participant]

Marc Gasol didn’t win because he plays "Right"  HE won because it was the media’s vote. He’s always been a media favorite. Remember, Marc Gasol didn’t make 1st team All Defense. That’s because the coaches vote. You think teams are more worried on Defense about attacking Gasol more so than Dwight, Jordan, or Ibaka?

[ropeParticipant]

Part of it is that classic post play has, in large part, disappeared from the game. The days of Moses Malone leaning hard into Kareem are over.  It is just as likely that the "center" is sitting out at the three point line.  This started by trying to draw opposing big men away from the basket.  Eventually someone figured they might as well shoot it from out there (remember Bill Laimbeer hoisting 3’s?).  Drummond doesn’t usually follow anyone out there.  He just stays near the bucket.  He’s a pretty good shot blocker, but 1.6 in 32 minutes a game is not dominant.  I like his rebounding, but some of them come at the expense of covering his man.  Quite a few big men have had big offensive nights against him this year.

I know he is a young kid and just learning.  I am pleased as punch that he is on the team.  I wish it was he and Monroe that was going to be paired for the next 10 years, but the Josh Smith debacle is probably going to eliminate that possibility.

Overall, I am pro-Drummond.  He has the markers of a dominant center in an age when there aren’t many.  I can see him being Howard-like in short order.  He doesn’t, however, have Kareem or Hakeem potential.  What he does have is the potential to be a nightmare match up  for the rest of the league.  Can’t wait to watch him grow up.  I just hope the league doesn’t continue to remove physical play from the game.  I love low post play and Drummond would own the offensive paint if they let the big guys play.

[ropeParticipant]

Part of it is that classic post play has, in large part, disappeared from the game. The days of Moses Malone leaning hard into Kareem are over.  It is just as likely that the "center" is sitting out at the three point line.  This started by trying to draw opposing big men away from the basket.  Eventually someone figured they might as well shoot it from out there (remember Bill Laimbeer hoisting 3’s?).  Drummond doesn’t usually follow anyone out there.  He just stays near the bucket.  He’s a pretty good shot blocker, but 1.6 in 32 minutes a game is not dominant.  I like his rebounding, but some of them come at the expense of covering his man.  Quite a few big men have had big offensive nights against him this year.

I know he is a young kid and just learning.  I am pleased as punch that he is on the team.  I wish it was he and Monroe that was going to be paired for the next 10 years, but the Josh Smith debacle is probably going to eliminate that possibility.

Overall, I am pro-Drummond.  He has the markers of a dominant center in an age when there aren’t many.  I can see him being Howard-like in short order.  He doesn’t, however, have Kareem or Hakeem potential.  What he does have is the potential to be a nightmare match up  for the rest of the league.  Can’t wait to watch him grow up.  I just hope the league doesn’t continue to remove physical play from the game.  I love low post play and Drummond would own the offensive paint if they let the big guys play.

[KHAM83Participant]

 Seriously, how many of us actually watch Pistons games? We see the stats and the highlights, but very few of us actually watch an entire game to properly critique Drummond. Now a days, bigs do not need be technically sound and have the right fundamentals to dominate. Athleticism and size seems to be the only requirements.

 

 Rope, if you’ve been a fan of the Pistons for 40 years, you’ve seen the era of great bigs. Being so, also possibly the only one here who has been watching the Pistons play, you have a different idea of what’s required of a big and will critique as such. Drummond is talented and oozing with potential, but if Rope says he doesn’t actually play defense (or in better word, does not play correctly) I’ll bet he’s right. Howard, Jordan, Ibaka, guys thought to be great defenders, they don’t play "right". They depend solely on their athleticism to make up for what they do lack. 

Let’s look at the reigning dpoy Marc Gasol. Many questioned why he won. He isn’t athletic and doesn’t get a ton of blocks, but he plays defense the right way and has a huge impact throughout the game. Drummond is young and has potential to improve, but I disagree with those of you who think Rope is totally wrong when he questions Drummond’s defense at the moment. 

 

[SpartanGloryParticipant]

 I also watch a fair amount of pistons games as I am from Michigan. Playing really good man defense in the post without fouling is very hard to do. Drummond is still better at help side defense than man at this point, but you can tell he’s improving. He’ll be a dpoy candidate within the next two years. He’s still so young that it’s unclear how good he’ll end up being, but he’s trending in the right direction and some!

[SpartanGloryParticipant]

 I also watch a fair amount of pistons games as I am from Michigan. Playing really good man defense in the post without fouling is very hard to do. Drummond is still better at help side defense than man at this point, but you can tell he’s improving. He’ll be a dpoy candidate within the next two years. He’s still so young that it’s unclear how good he’ll end up being, but he’s trending in the right direction and some!

[chaParticipant]

 I’m from the Philippines and he’s the only reason I wake up 7 30 am-ish just to watch a below 500 team. His promise, production and progress has me wondering how good he can be. He does play defense, yes, but not always the right way. His positioning is usually off both man-to-man and team defense. He even admittedly did not go for blocks earlier this season because of the lack of trusts in his teammates to cover his man once he purses to block/alter someone’s shot. Also, there’s this maturity issue he has to get through (must like most if not all the 20 something year olds), when things doesn’t go his way, he will B*tch and complain instead of playing. Also, his motor is a coin toss really, offensive rebounding is where he shines because, well, frankly that’s the only way he’s going to get the ball and score other than lobs. While on the defensive end, I sometimes wonder if he wants to play defense. It was so annoying to see him sometimes take plays off and even worse: not even back on the other end. That is my biggest knock him, I know I am very critical of him but this is because I’m one of his biggest fans and I expect nothing but 100% effort on both ends. If he wants to average 20 rebounds every night, he can. I see this guy get boxed out and still be able to grab rebounds with his man all over him. I mean, holy hell, not even Dwight does that. Dwight relies mostly on excellent positioning, instincts, athleticism and strength and this guy just grabs rebounds because of his sheer size, will and strength. Right now he is nowhere near what he can be 5 years from now; he just has to bring on both ends and grow up. 

[chaParticipant]

 I’m from the Philippines and he’s the only reason I wake up 7 30 am-ish just to watch a below 500 team. His promise, production and progress has me wondering how good he can be. He does play defense, yes, but not always the right way. His positioning is usually off both man-to-man and team defense. He even admittedly did not go for blocks earlier this season because of the lack of trusts in his teammates to cover his man once he purses to block/alter someone’s shot. Also, there’s this maturity issue he has to get through (must like most if not all the 20 something year olds), when things doesn’t go his way, he will B*tch and complain instead of playing. Also, his motor is a coin toss really, offensive rebounding is where he shines because, well, frankly that’s the only way he’s going to get the ball and score other than lobs. While on the defensive end, I sometimes wonder if he wants to play defense. It was so annoying to see him sometimes take plays off and even worse: not even back on the other end. That is my biggest knock him, I know I am very critical of him but this is because I’m one of his biggest fans and I expect nothing but 100% effort on both ends. If he wants to average 20 rebounds every night, he can. I see this guy get boxed out and still be able to grab rebounds with his man all over him. I mean, holy hell, not even Dwight does that. Dwight relies mostly on excellent positioning, instincts, athleticism and strength and this guy just grabs rebounds because of his sheer size, will and strength. Right now he is nowhere near what he can be 5 years from now; he just has to bring on both ends and grow up. 

[jaysmith1987Participant]

Drummond has next Dwight written all over him.  Now a days a big man just need to block shots finish boards and he can dominate a game.  I am pretty sure Drummonds league averages are pretty consistent with Dwights second year in the NBA might not be as good but its not to far off.  Then when you think he is only 20 in 5 years he probably is a top 3 center who finds a way to get you 20 off basic post moves and hustle.  Add the 13 to 14 boards a game.  He is the steal of that draft class.

[jaysmith1987Participant]

Drummond has next Dwight written all over him.  Now a days a big man just need to block shots finish boards and he can dominate a game.  I am pretty sure Drummonds league averages are pretty consistent with Dwights second year in the NBA might not be as good but its not to far off.  Then when you think he is only 20 in 5 years he probably is a top 3 center who finds a way to get you 20 off basic post moves and hustle.  Add the 13 to 14 boards a game.  He is the steal of that draft class.

[i’m jus so offendedParticipant]

 Crazy thing is he’s a better and smoother athlete than Dwight. He is better than DeAndre Jordan right now in my book. If Doc was Andre’s coach right now, holy s***. Only problem is his situation in Detroit. Hopefully they get a GM who knows what he’s doing.

[i’m jus so offendedParticipant]

 Crazy thing is he’s a better and smoother athlete than Dwight. He is better than DeAndre Jordan right now in my book. If Doc was Andre’s coach right now, holy s***. Only problem is his situation in Detroit. Hopefully they get a GM who knows what he’s doing.

[FourParticipant]

I can’t say I have watched a Pistons game all year, maybe not in a few years.  But the numbers that he is putting up are so impressive that I find myself checking the Pistons’ box score daily to see what he did.  He may be a bit selfish defensively – we measure bigs by rebounds and blocked shots but rarely by looking at what opposing bigs scored so hanging near the basket can pad your numbers – but I’m betting that 30 or so other NBA teams would welcome him aboard to put up those numbers at 20.

[FourParticipant]

I can’t say I have watched a Pistons game all year, maybe not in a few years.  But the numbers that he is putting up are so impressive that I find myself checking the Pistons’ box score daily to see what he did.  He may be a bit selfish defensively – we measure bigs by rebounds and blocked shots but rarely by looking at what opposing bigs scored so hanging near the basket can pad your numbers – but I’m betting that 30 or so other NBA teams would welcome him aboard to put up those numbers at 20.

[Juan_SoloParticipant]

 He is not better DJ yet. He is not as strong, and dont play D as well. DJ also has a better post game. DJ has had better coaching also.Im from Detroit also. I hate the pistons right now. They are just hard to watch. They have talent but none of it meshes together. Im an extreme hater of Brandon Jennings and Josh Smith. Two dudes who cant shoot but love to shoot. Now back to Drummond. I love his game. Yea he is young, but u cant teach the will to rebound, athletic ability height and long arms. He will be a top 15 player for years to come. I just hope we are smart enuff to sign him ASAP before other teams start whispering in his ear.

[Juan_SoloParticipant]

 He is not better DJ yet. He is not as strong, and dont play D as well. DJ also has a better post game. DJ has had better coaching also.Im from Detroit also. I hate the pistons right now. They are just hard to watch. They have talent but none of it meshes together. Im an extreme hater of Brandon Jennings and Josh Smith. Two dudes who cant shoot but love to shoot. Now back to Drummond. I love his game. Yea he is young, but u cant teach the will to rebound, athletic ability height and long arms. He will be a top 15 player for years to come. I just hope we are smart enuff to sign him ASAP before other teams start whispering in his ear.

[Author]

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